The PS rack on my 2004 XJR was squealing and the fluid in the reservoir was looking rather tired, so thanks to the info gleaned on this list, I was able to do a fluid change easily. My steps, in case anyone is thinking about this job:

1. Opened bonnet, cleaned the PS reservoir, inspected it for cracks, leaks, etc., then removed the cap.
2. Put car on my 4 post lift (jack stands work, too)
3. Remove the under tray.
4. Identify the steering rack, checked all of the connections, gaiters and hoses for leaks or damage.
5. I found the longish hose clipped to the rack with a plug on the end; unclipped it so it pointed downwards, removed the clamp (one of those ear-crimp clamps), then the plastic plug. The old fluid then started to drain out, so a suitable container was used to catch it.
6. Made a cup of coffee while fluid was draining. I turned the steering wheel lock to lock few times to help eject the old fluid (of course with the ignition OFF).
7. Once I was satisfied with the amount that was ejected, I replaced the plastic plug and used a regular, small worm gear hose clamp (if your plastic plug is shot, a big bolt will do), then clipped the hose back in it's original position.
8. I poured about 1 pint of Dexron III into the reservoir and worked the steering wheel a bit. Gravity got a little fluid into the rack, but not much. I started the car for a few seconds just to be sure the PS pump wasn't going to blow up. It does make a noise briefly, but once the fluid circulated, all was fine.
9. I then poured the 50 mL bottle of the Jaguar Friction Modifier (C2S48887) into the reservoir and topped off again with Dexron III.
10. I started the car again to get all the fluid circulating, then turned the wheel to the right stop, held for 2 seconds, then back 1/4 turn rapidly, then back and forth a few times. Repeated turning to the left stop (this procedure was how jaguar specified in the TSB #S211-04v2).
11. I then bled it like i normally would by turning the wheel lock to lock a few times.
12. I let the car run to operating temperature and topped off with a bit more Dexron III. Everything sounds perfect. No more squealing and fresh PS fluid to boot!

Next job is going to be a transmission fluid change once I get the kit in from Klaus at the CTSC.

What a great forum!

 

Hi drbill,

Thanks for taking the time to document your PS fluid change!

Could you please let us know where you sourced Dexron III fluid? My understanding is that it is no longer being manufactured and that the commonly-available substitutes are Dex/Merc and Dexron VI.

Thanks in advance for any specifics you can provide.

Cheers,

Don

 

Don, I had some ATF from Advance Auto, their store brand. I just says,"Premium ATF," then in smaller print says "Dexron III."
I've had it for a couple of years, so not sure what they have now. A search of their website looks like they have one that says Dexron III/Mercon. So I would have no problem putting Dex/Merc in there.

 

Be careful with the store branded lubricants. I used "Advance Auto PS Fluid - Honda/Acura Vehicles" to top off my PS reservoir and my pump started making weird noises and steering like crap on my 03 Accord. Had to get the legit Honda PS fluid and do a full flush. Luckily no damage but read horror stories of blown seals, pump, etc. Looked at the back of that bottle and it said in small letters... "not compatible with Honda vehicles"...

I also used their Mercon branded trans fluid in my 00 S Type PS system and wreaked havoc... Rack started leaking from outer seal filling up the boot...Never, ever again...

I use Castrol branded Mercon V fluid. No issues!

 

I usually lean toward Kendall ATF. It's labeled Dexron III and I even used it in my GTO.

 

Since the last licenses for Dexron III expired in 2005, all the fluid makers have offered various "upgrades" and "equivalents" with the claim of backward compatibility, but modern fluids have lower, sometimes significantly lower, viscosities compared to original Dexron III, which had a viscosity at 100C of 7.5 cSt. For example, the viscosity of Dex/Merc is typically 7.1 cSt, and that of Dexron VI is just 6.4 cSt.

Redline Oil D4 ATF and Mobil 1 ATF have viscosities of 7.5-7.6 cSt at 100C, and Mobil 1 ATF is approved by General Motors (the owner of the Dexron brand name) for applications for which Dexron III was originally specified.

Whenever changing brands or types of power steering fluid it seems like a good idea to follow drbill's example and do a total flush to avoid possible adverse reactions between fluids.

Cheers,

Don

 

Does anyone know if Jaguar Additive PAS Fluid C2S48887 is the same formulation as Lubrizol 6178?

 

Mobil D/M is Dexron IIIH, and available at most parts stores. Original specification was for Mobil Dexron III, which had an anti-foaming agent, which is also found in the D/M stock.

cSt @ 100º C - 7.4